The long-rumored shakeup in Team Arrow became a reality tonight when Arrow’s sidekick Roy Harper, aka Arsenal, left Starling City. The departure was prompted by the end of Colton Haynes’ contract on the show. The Teen Wolf alum joined Arrow as a recurring in the second half of Season 1 and became a regular at the beginning of Season 2 with a two-year deal.

After posing as Arrow and turning himself into police to protect Oliver Queen in last week’s episode, Roy tonight staged his own death in prison, then escaped, but ultimately made the decision to leave Team Arrow, getting in his car and driving off.

While Haynes’ tenure as regular on Arrow is over, he is not necessarily done with the Arrow-Flash universe. Haynes is already slated to appear in one more episode of Arrow this season, and talks are underway about possible stints on The Flash or the upcoming Arrow-Flash spinoff series, said Arrow co-creators/executive producers Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim. I spoke with the duo about Haynes’ exit, the impact on Team Arrow and the future of the Arsenal character.

DEADLINE: When did you know that Colton Haynes was leaving after Season 3?BERLANTI: When we made the deal. We made a two-season deal that had a clock on it, we always knew that. When he was coming off Teen Wolf, we described the role to him, and we agreed to do it for a couple of years. At that particular moment, he had a lot of opportunities to do things, and we’re lucky he chose us. He brought a lot of notoriety and viewership to Arrow when we were growing, and the show wouldn’t be the show it is without him. He is such a talent and such a nice guy, everybody from the crew to the writers were so enthusiastic to have him for the time we had him. We are sad to see him go but excited to see what he does next.

DEADLINE: How and when did Roy’s Season 3 storyline came about?BERLANTI: We knew based on what had happened last season. Roy has struggled with guilt after killing a policeman. In saving Oliver, he sees a chance to absolve himself. Hopefully it was surprising for the audience as some thought for a moment that he might die.GUGGENHEIM: We were able to deign his arc for the season with the end point in mind. We always knew he would take a heroic stance and redeem himself for his actions. It’s always a blessing when you know where exactly you are going to end up.

DEADLINE: Did you consider killing off Roy?BERLANTI: We wanted to do something different. These characters are so young, they represent the next generation of superheroes, and we love the idea of having them just out there. And as a person we like Colton so much, we all would love to see him back. Such a talented, great guy.GUGGENHEIM: The hope is that he’ll continue to be part of the universe we are building. We love working with his so much. We’ve talked to him about returning to one of the three shows, and if available, he has expressed interest. He is gone but definitely not forever.

DEADLINE: What will the impact of Roy’s departure be on Team Arrow?BERLANTI: It’s always affecting the show when one character is moving on to the great beyond. That allows the show to grow and change, with the state of loss providing high stakes. The end of this season is very much a punctuation mark on the first three seasons. Third season will feel like the end of a trilogy, with elements and pieces coming together. We are heading into a big, epic, climactic battle, and I’m not not going to give away who is going to make it. Everything will be changed after this season.GUGGENHEIM: The third season finale is among our best episodes, with each twist more shocking and surprising than the next.

DEADLINE: Will Oliver get a new sidekick?BERLANTI: Watch the finale to find out. Fans will really wonder where you go from there.

DEADLINE: Do you know where the show will go from there?BERLANTI: We have planned something cool and radical to open next season.

30 Comments

I’ll say this,if he’s not on the Spinoff,then Arsenal/Red Arrow belongs on TITANS,cmon TNT,Berlanti and Co. make it happen.

chuckiechk • on Apr 15, 2015 6:25 pm

first thing I thought of was titans on TNT

Daemon Deville • on Apr 16, 2015 3:12 am

I just thought the same exact thing when I saw the episode.
I didn’t even know TItans was in the works, but as soon as Arsenal got in the car I thought “They have to be doing a Titans show and have him in it.”

Jesse Scheepmaker • on Apr 19, 2015 4:18 pm

nah man, young justice is where it’s at

Kar • on Apr 15, 2015 6:29 pm

Good actors going but Katie Cassidy the fans are still stuck with?

Sreaya Gutta • on Apr 15, 2015 6:46 pm

Lmao colton literally had the same expression in every scene and you are calling KC a bad actor? It seems like a good thing he is leaving the show seems pretty crowded right now as it is.

m • on Apr 15, 2015 7:34 pm

Wait, Colton Haynes is a good actor but Cassidy is a bad one? Are you even for real? That’s one expressionless plank of wood out, now to do something about the male lead, who has only managed two expressions in three seasons…

Barbara • on Apr 15, 2015 10:34 pm

LOL you are dumb, Colton Haynes is adorable but the worst actor on the cast, but this is the CW so who cares, Stephen Amell is also terrible but he’s the lead actors. Only watch this show for Katie and Emily anyway.

kara • on Apr 16, 2015 12:46 pm

You go everywhere bashing KC. Get a life!

jason • on Apr 15, 2015 6:55 pm

the third season has been such a disappointment after the excellent second season. i think adding the flash to their workload has spread the writing a little thin. and now with a third series in the works who knows how far the quality will drop on arrow.

Indigovine • on Apr 15, 2015 8:29 pm

I completely agree. S2 was much better than S3 of Arrow which has been very frustrating and disappointing for far too many episodes.

• on Apr 16, 2015 6:12 am

I really have to agree … This season doesn’t compare with the first two …

Dave Balcomb • on Apr 17, 2015 9:12 am

Ray Palmer character has made this once awesome show look like a Saturday morning cartoon. Season 3 has been terrible. Please bring back the magic from the 1st two seasons

agca hadvatydc • on Apr 17, 2015 2:19 pm

i thought the Atom’s suit and powers were way too close to Iron Man’s, and i am sure a lot of people noticed the same. when is he going to have the power to shrink like Ant Man?

Charle • on Apr 15, 2015 8:24 pm

From what I’ve read Teen Wolf and Arrow really jump started his career. Haynes has done several pilots and it’s a waiting game on which one we’re going to see him in. He’s still going to appear in a few episodes of Arrow and Flash but he’s moving on to make a name for himself by being the star of his own. Loved his character but hate to see him leave. I’m happy to see Haynes really make a name for himself. Looking forward to seeing him on his next Show. Are they adding another character to Team Arrow? Will Atom be a part of Team Arrow now?

Sam • on Apr 15, 2015 9:33 pm

Really happy that they didn’t kill off the character. I can definitely see Roy as a guest character in the same way that Sara was originally someone who would show up from time to time, but wasn’t an integral part of the team. There’s definitely more story there and he’s a great character.
As far as Colton is concerned tho, I’m super disappointed. He’s such a great guy and loved him on Teen Wolf and on Arrow. He’s such a nice addition to each cast and really has a great energy. I like this character so I certainly hope that he ends up in this DC universe somewhere. However, if he does manage to land his own show as a lead that would be amazing. He’s a funny guy, I’m not sure if he can do comedy because I’ve never seen that side of him, But I definitely would like to. I think a comedy would be a great fit for him! Wishing him the best of luck and excited to see what he does next.

Julie Kerr • on Apr 15, 2015 10:34 pm

I am so sad to see Colton go!

Rey • on Apr 16, 2015 12:59 am

I hope he turns up on TNT’s Titans.

John Constantine (@JohnConstantin1) • on Apr 16, 2015 2:36 am

Well, Haynes isn’t the best actor of the world, but he has proved some personality with a very one-side character. Hoping his career jumps on.

Punky Screwster • on Apr 16, 2015 6:07 am

A guy with a bow and arrow… I just don’t get it.

demoncat4 • on Apr 16, 2015 1:25 pm

the arsenal character really belongs on titans since he was one. though whether colin will sign a a new deal for roy again or just now be a recurring character who pops in from time to time. remains to be seen . though can see him on that spin off too.

• on Apr 16, 2015 2:10 pm

I loved Roy so much and he is a reason i watch Arrow

KC • on Apr 17, 2015 2:35 pm

Same here! Roy made the show.. so sad that he din´t get more time to develop and a back story. Why did Colton say we would get a back story on him in S4? :S He wanted to leave. He signed a 2 year contract. The producer (wont even write his name!!!) did cut out on one hell of a charterer and fan base from this this moment on. Season 4 is a no go for me.. And no.. a character dose´t make the whole show but when a good actor/character leaves when bad ones stay.. that´s when I step off.

Al'n • on Apr 16, 2015 4:46 pm

lol, I love that no one has mentioned anything about the other shocking twist in the episode… no one could care less about that, I suppose.

• on Apr 16, 2015 10:29 pm

Yeah, no kidding. Poor Thea!

Rick T'Roll • on Apr 16, 2015 5:47 pm

Speedy!

• on Apr 16, 2015 9:35 pm

I hope arimis

agca hadvatydc • on Apr 17, 2015 2:22 pm

well some 1 gotta be ‘speedy’, and my bet is its thea. she even wore the latex yellow pants in the 1st or 2nd season

KC • on Apr 17, 2015 2:30 pm

Wrong Character that leaves!!!! Colton did an amazing job and just got his Arsenal suit. If they had put more thought in his character, given him more than being a sidekick and love interest, I do believe Colton would have fought to stay. He will be missed from the show. I for once, found his departure, really sad and it was disappointing. I know one character dosen´t make the show, but he was a part of Team Arrow. And now he´s gone from he show, there is no team arrow without Roy Harper. And if Thea takes over as Oliver´s sidekick.. that´s just plain wrong. I hope they are messing with us and brings Colton back!! He did´t even get a HUG from his MENTOR and the one he sacrificed himself for! I sure hope he gets one in the finale. Season 4 dose´t excite me no more.. not with Roy gone.

BreStewie • on Apr 17, 2015 6:12 pm

I do hope to see Colton/Arsenal again on Arrow and the spinoffs. Really looking forward to seeing him again in the finale. Of all the characters on Arrow, I think Roy has shown the most character growth, and it is really sad to see him leave this way. It would be nice if two members of the Lance family (Laurel/Quinton) could show more growth and were just more likeable. Both of them are hot-headed scene killers.